A lot of work was done on the suspension to provide a
good mix between ride comfort and handling.

The car uses Bilstein damping and Eibach springs front
and rear, with stiffer anti-rollbars to contain the V8
power and 250 km/h top speed potential.

Nevertheless
some enthusiasts may feel that the suspension allows too
much body roll, and MG’s optional X-Power pack does
offer stiffer springs and dampers.

The interior of the MG ZT has been given a makeover ,
with new subtle dash panels, new gauges and a slight
redesign around the central area.

This version of the ZT is the top of the range model. It
offers satellite navigation, Harmon Kardon
surround-sound audio and a sunroof over the already
comprehensive standard V8 interior package.

This includes full leather trim, electric seats, heated
front seats, remote audio control on the steering wheel,
cruise control and traction control.

Clint feels that the car could be a little stiffer for
race-track work, but likes the ride on the road.

He’s in favour of the basic setup which sees the car
understeer in extreme conditions. The average motorist
can cope easily with a car that understeers, or in other
words, loses traction on the front wheels first.

But with 227 kiloWatts on tap, oversteer, or a serious
tail-slide, can easily be provoked.

There is traction control provided to prevent this, but
Clint switched it off to indulge in a little tyre-burning
fun.

Surprisingly, the ZT V8 does not have corner assist,
electronic devices that brake wheels individually to
correct an overzealous approach to corners.

This makes the ZT more of a handful when it comes to
obstacle avoidance.

Although it mixes a somewhat dated mechanical
specification with luxury and old-world charm, the MG ZT
V8 impresses with its overall feel.

It’s a car that’s so different from the German
high-performance offerings which are very clinical in
their approach to performance motoring.

At R526 000 it’s a bit on the expensive side. But if
you have this sort of money, you may want something
different and the MG ZT V8 is certainly that.